Shanno Khurana at 98: A lifetime of riyaz and renewed musical curiosity

Shanno Khurana’s relationship with music has never been framed as a finish line. At 98, the celebrated singer remains rooted in the simple, demanding routine of daily **riyaz**—a practice that, for many artistes, becomes harder to sustain with time. For her, it continues to be the centre of the day, and the source of an enduring sense of purpose.

In an age when achievements are often measured by awards, numbers, and speed, her approach feels refreshingly steady. Music, she suggests through her way of life, is not something to be ‘completed’. It is an ongoing exploration—one that rewards patience, attention, and a willingness to keep learning.

A disciplined daily rhythm Riyaz is frequently described as the backbone of classical training, but it is also a test of temperament. It demands consistency, humility and a deep comfort with repetition. Khurana’s continued commitment to the practice at 98 is therefore not merely a personal routine—it is a statement about how craft is built and preserved.

Her day-to-day discipline highlights a powerful idea: artistic excellence is often the result of small, repeated choices rather than dramatic breakthroughs. In a cultural environment that sometimes celebrates instant recognition, her steady riyaz underlines the value of long-term effort.

Equally important is the spirit in which she practises. The emphasis is not on proving anything, but on staying connected to the art itself. That quiet, inward motivation is part of what makes her journey inspiring—especially for younger musicians who may be navigating competitive pressures and quick comparisons.

Music as a companion, not a trophy Khurana’s life in music is better understood as companionship than conquest. The idea of music as a constant presence—something that shares your days, grows with you, and offers new lessons—carries a gentle optimism. It suggests that creativity can remain active across a lifetime, not as a rare burst, but as a sustained relationship.

This outlook also softens the way we talk about ageing and artistry. Instead of focusing on limitations, her continuing engagement with music brings attention to possibilities: memory held in melody, strength found in routine, and joy sustained by practice.

For listeners and admirers, her story is a reminder that the arts are not only about performance. They are also about interior life—about the private conversations between a musician and their notes, their breath, their tuning, and their intent.

A living lesson for India’s cultural future India’s musical heritage is carried forward not only through institutions and concerts, but also through everyday dedication by practitioners. When a veteran singer continues to practise daily, it becomes a living example of how tradition is kept vibrant—through care, not nostalgia.

Khurana’s unwavering passion offers an encouraging model for students and enthusiasts: start where you are, return to practice, and remain curious. In that sense, her story is not only about longevity; it is about **continuity**—how an art form stays alive when its custodians keep showing up.

There is also a quiet, modern relevance here. Even outside classical music, anyone pursuing a craft—writing, entrepreneurship, design, sport—can recognise the value of consistent effort. Her example invites us to slow down, pay attention to fundamentals, and treat learning as a lifelong process.

**Why it matters:** Shanno Khurana’s daily riyaz at 98 celebrates the strength of discipline and the joy of lifelong learning, offering a positive, practical reminder that India’s cultural traditions thrive when artists keep practising with humility and curiosity.